POSTAL HISTORY: 1897 (May 19) Messageries Maritimes envelope to Australia with Peace & Commerce 25c black/pink tied by 'LIGNE T/PAQ. FR. No4' cds and another very fine strike alongside,'SUEZ/19 V 97' and 'COLOMBO/MAY 30/97' transit b/s and Sydney 'JU15/97' arrival b/s, light central fold & minor blemishes. Posted on board the French contract steamer 'Armand Behic' on the homeward voyage, off-loaded at Suez and sent back to Colombo where it was placed onto the P&O Line 'Australia' to Adelaide, then rail to Sydney (the 'Australia' herself not reaching Sydney until 17.6.1897). Ex Dr Tony Orchard.
